Tim Merlier sprints to Scheldeprijs success

Merlier outgunned the top sprinters powering ahead of Jasper Philipsen and Dylan Groenewegen

Tim Merlier showed Wednesday afternoon there is a reason why he is the most successful sprinter of the season, taking a crushing success at the 112th edition of Scheldeprijs, the 205.3km race held between Terneuzen and Schoten. The win Merlier got on home turf was made even more impressive by the fact that with just 15 kilometers to go he had a puncture, but a fast bike change and an incredible effort of his Soudal Quick-Step teammates helped the two-time Belgian Champion return to the peloton before things began heating up.

Ahead of the flamme rouge, Alpecin - Deceuninck  teammate Bert Van Lerberghe powered like a locomotive through the middle of the pack, and Merlier immediately glued himself to his wheel moving to the front of the bunch in the space of seconds.

On the run-in to the line, the 31-year-old capitalised on Bert’s incredible effort, unleashing a huge turn of speed with 200 meters to go on the left side of the road. 

Behind Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin - Deceuninck) was second and Dylan Groenewgen (Team Jayco AlUla) in third place.

HIGHLIGHTS: 2024 Scheldeprijs

2024 Scheldeprijs Top 10

1  MERLIER Tim Soudal Quick-Step 4:16:59
2  PHILIPSEN Jasper Alpecin - Deceuninck 0:00
3  GROENEWEGEN Dylan Team Jayco AlUla 0:00
4  BOL Cees Astana Qazaqstan Team 0:00
5  HOFSTETTER Hugo Israel - Premier Tech 0:00
6  WÆRENSKJOLD Søren Uno-X Mobility 0:00
7  WELSFORD Sam BORA - hansgrohe 0:00
8  MOSCHETTI Matteo Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team 0:00
9  MIHKELS Madis Intermarché - Wanty 0:00
10  TRENTIN Matteo Tudor Pro Cycling Team 0:00